National Marine Sanctuaries and Local Economies

Just as national parks and national forests protect and conserve our natural resources on land, national marine sanctuaries do so in the ocean and Great Lakes. Sanctuaries are managed to support lives and livelihoods, and have strong connections to local communities and special places.

Below are links to pages that summarize what we currently know about the benefit of national marine sanctuaries to local income and jobs. These also serve as a guide to communities and researchers interested in bolstering current sanctuary knowledge by filling information gaps and updating data.

All facts and fact sheets below will be updated as new information develops. Check back with this site periodically for updates.

National

National Marine SanctuariesAcross all national marine sanctuaries, about $4 billion annually is generated
in local coastal and ocean dependent economies from diverse activities like
commercial fishing, research and recreation-tourist activities.

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Northeast and Great Lakes Region National Marine Sanctuaries

Thunder BayRegionally, Thunder Bay impacts $92 million in sales, $35.8 million in personal income to residents, $51.3 million in value added and 1,704 jobs.

Stellwagen BankVirtually all of Massachusetts whale watching occurs in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the top-ten premiere whale watching locations in the world.

MonitorSanctuary partners include over ten museums and aquariums throughout North Carolina and Virginia. Direct financial support, exhibition materials and staff time are provided to these partners on behalf of the sanctuary.

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Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Region National Marine Sanctuaries

Gray's ReefA recent study estimated that expenditures related to private-boat recreational fishing in the sanctuary total approximately $1.5 million annually.

Florida KeysMore than 33,000 jobs in the Florida Keys are supported by ocean recreation and tourism, accounting for 58 percent of the local economy and $2.3 billion in annual sales.

Hawaiian IslandsThe whale watching industry plays a strong role in the state's economy as it contributes up to $11 million in total revenues annually with a total economic impact of up to $74 million per year.